19 July 2004 | Approved: 16 August 2004
Mayor John Compton called the meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:42 p.m.. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Linda Baim, Betsy Klinger, David Stopak, John Tomlin, and Treasurer Mary Challstrom. Town residents Joli McCathran, Ken McCathran, Joan Mahaffey, Jenny Long, George Paine, Jamie Holtzclaw and Satoshi Amagai also were present. Linda Baim was sworn in to the Town Council.
Public Appearances
Jenny Long thanked the Mayor and Council for their quick response to the big Town tree that was dropping limbs on their cars.
Approval of Minutes
Darrell Anderson moved, David Stopak seconded, that the Town Council minutes of May 10, 2004 be approved. Vote: 5-0.
Treasurer’s Report
Darrell Anderson moved, David Stopak seconded, that the Treasurer’s report for June be accepted. Vote: 5-0.
Appointments
It was moved and seconded (Vote: 5-0) for Mayor Compton to make the following appointments;
- Darrell Anderson – Mayor Pro-Tem
- Christine Dibble – Board of Zoning Appeals
- David Neumann – Historic Preservation Commission
Resolution to amend Town agreement with L.G.I.T.
John Tomlin moved, Betsy Klinger seconded, that the resolution to amend the Town agreement with insurance carrier Local Government Insurance Trust be passed. Vote: 5-0.
McCathran Hall Use Policy; Fees vs. Services
Mayor Compton reviewed the issue. Joli McCathran explained that she left a meeting in Sept. 2002 with the understanding that her Girl Scout troop’s community service outside of the Town of Washington Grove was sufficient for meeting the fee for service requirement for use of McCathran Hall. A discussion of what the Mayor and Council remembered ensued. Hall Scheduler Jenny Long helped with the discussion as well. Linda Baim suggested that because of all the miss-communication the Town waive the fee to Joli’s troop. More discussion. Mayor Compton and the Council agreed to allow Joli’s Girl Scout troop to use McCathran Hall for their meetings at no charge for 6 meetings this year.
McCathran Hall Scheduler
Retiring Hall Scheduler Jenny Long asked if the Mayor and Council would table this discussion until the August meeting. Jenny also stated, for the record, she believed that this position must be performed by a paid employee and not by a volunteer group.
Road Bonds/Modular Homes
The Mayor and Council agreed that a mechanism must be put into place that would require builders, developers and/or home owners who do major renovations or new construction to post a road bond in order to cover potential damage to our unique roads. A discussion about the delivery of the modular home at 348 Ridge Road and the possible delivery of another modular home at 352 Ridge Road ensued.
Council Reports
Planning Commission/Forestry & Beautification
Darrell Anderson reported that the neither the Planning Commission nor the Forestry Committee met in July.
Playgrounds
Linda Baim deferred the playground reporting to David Stopak for this meeting.
McCathran Hall
Betsy Klinger reported that the storm windows on the lower Hall are finished and installed.
Safety
Betsy Klinger reported a burglary at 306 Ridge Road. Police were called, property was recovered and suspect was arrested. Chris Kirtz is stepping down as Neighborhood Watch Coordinator and George Paine will take over.
Recreation
Betsy Klinger reported that she would be attending the next meeting on July 28th. New co-chairs Mary Kay Dubois and Missy Yachup still want more clarity concerning Recreation Committee sponsorship and the waiver of the rental fee. This will be discussed at the meeting.
Maintenance
David Stopak reported that the parking lot at the playground is still in need of repair. The most recent bid was $3,920.00 for re-grading and graveling. David also reported that the drainage issue at Dr. Horan’s on Maple Road is big problem. A bid for $2,300.00 was received to fix that problem. The Mayor and Council asked that Jim put gravel in the larger holes until the full job can be completed. Linda Baim asked about gravel on 3rd Avenue.
Historic Preservation Commission
David Stopak reported that he would be attending the HPC meeting on July 20th.
Roads & Walkways
John Tomlin reported that he would be meeting with Alex Tobing from Alexander Builders on Tuesday (July 20th) where he would discuss money for future road repairs and the removal of the small gravel at "Big Bend" on Ridge Road. John also brought up the need for a 4-way stop at the intersection of Brown Street and Ridge Road.
Linda Baim moved, Betsy Klinger seconded that the Town solicit public comment through an article in the Town Bulletin regarding the proposed new 4-way stop. Vote: 5-0.
Intergovernmental
John Tomlin reported that he would attend a Maryland Municipal League meeting on July 22nd. PEPCO and its emergency response will be the focus of the meeting.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Mayor Compton reported that a letter had been written to Chris Kirtz, owner of the old Town truck, asking him to remove the Town logo. John also reported that a Stop Work Order would be issued to the Miller’s (107 Pine Ave.) for erecting a 6 ft. fence on their property that faces Woodward Park. The building permit for this activity was denied by Planning Commission Chairman, John McClelland.
- Casey Field Update – Mayor Compton reported that the Planning Board does not meet in August so the revised plan will not be presented for review until the September meeting. The storm water management plan is weak. Shady Grove Master Plan Update: Mayor Compton reported that the Planning Board Staff Draft reduces the scale because of the school issues. It also tightens up the staging of this development and requires checks and balances along the way. This will assure that the original plan and the build-out match.
- Nagem Update – Mayor Compton reported that summonses were issued and the judge will schedule a hearing on this matter.
New Business
Paper Ballot Discussion – Darrell Anderson suggested that this issue be reviewed at another meeting. There is really nothing that the Town can do about this. The State’s action on this item is to make sure that there is one old-style, punch card machine at each precinct.
Deer Park Bridge – David Stopak suggested that the Town be more pro-active on this issue. He would like to get a group together to study/research this issue. He asked about annexation and about contacting the Humpback Bridge Association. The Clerk will put an item in the Town Bulletin to solicit interest from Town residents.
John Tomlin moved, Darrell Anderson seconded, that the meeting be adjourned. Vote: 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:03 p.m.W